The football component of MTN SavannahFest 2026 kicks off today, Friday, September 18, at the NOBISCO Park in Tamale, as 16 community-based teams begin their quest for honours in the inter-community gala.
The tournament forms part of a month-long SavannahFest celebration launched in Tamale on Wednesday by MTN Ghana as the telecommunications giant marks its 30th anniversary.
The football gala is expected to provide a platform for communities across the Tamale area to showcase local talent, strengthen community bonds and engage in healthy competition.
At the launch, Northern Regional Director of the National Sports Authority, Ibrahim Alhassan, urged participating teams to use the competition to exhibit their talents while maintaining discipline throughout the tournament.
“We should be mindful that this is somebody’s organisation, so we should be disciplined throughout the programme,” Mr Alhassan said.
He also appealed to players and supporters to control their emotions and accept officiating decisions in the spirit of community football.
“Let’s control our emotions, let’s enjoy the games, let’s forgive the wrong calls, let’s forgive the wrong decisions so that we all enjoy the game to the fullest,” he said.
Mr Alhassan further encouraged the teams to involve their chiefs, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders in mobilising support for their respective communities.
“These are community programmes. It is not you, the playing body, alone. You represent a community,” he said.
Today’s fixtures
The opening matches in Group A will see Kakpayili FC take on Tolon FC at 2pm, followed by Sabonjida FC against Sanzirigu FC at 3:30pm.
The competition continues on Sunday, September 20, with Group B matches. Sakasaka FC will face Kanvili FC at 10am, while Dungu FC takes on Poloya Fong at noon.
Later that day, Group C action begins at 2pm when Gumani FC meets Zogbeli FC, followed by Dagbandaba Fong against Lamashegu at 3:30pm.
Group D matches are scheduled for Monday, September 21. Aboabu FC will play Bayanwaya at 2pm, while Nyohini FC faces Shishegu FC at 3:30pm.
The tournament will run through October 3, culminating in the community football gala finals.
Football at the heart of MTN @ 30 celebration
The football gala is one of several activities lined up under SavannahFest 2026, which MTN says is designed to deepen its engagement with communities while celebrating its three decades of operations in Ghana.
Launching the festival, MTN Ghana Area Sales Manager for the North, Richard Asamani, said the 30th anniversary provides an opportunity for the company to celebrate its journey with the customers and communities that have been part of its growth.
“From our early days as Spacefon, through Areeba, to the MTN we know today, our journey has been shaped by innovation, resilience, partnership and the loyalty of our customers,” Mr Asamani said.
He said SavannahFest has become one of MTN’s platforms for connecting with communities, celebrating local culture, rewarding customers and strengthening relationships with traditional leaders, businesses, youth groups and other stakeholders.
Beyond football, this year’s SavannahFest programme includes an MTN music concert at Modern City Hotel on September 19, a clean-up exercise at the Taxi Station and Tamale Teaching Hospital on September 25, and a health walk and free health screening at Jubilee Park on September 26.
As MTN Ghana celebrates 30 years, Mr Asamani said the company’s anniversary activities also include nationwide customer rewards and continued investment in health, education and economic empowerment through the MTN Ghana Foundation.
He cited recent interventions in the Northern Region, including digital skills programmes, SME training, Bright Scholarships and the construction of a GH¢9.7 million multi-purpose digital resource centre at the Dungu Campus of the University for Development Studies.
He urged residents to participate fully in the SavannahFest activities.
“Come and cheer the participating teams, join the health walk, take advantage of the free screening, enjoy the music concert, participate in the activations and celebrate responsibly with MTN,” Mr Asamani said.
The kickoff at NOBISCO Park today therefore marks the sporting start of MTN SavannahFest 2026, bringing community football into the centre of the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations in the Northern Region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
